LT2025-013 PUNCH PROJECTS CLTAC - Laserfiche WebLink

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Response 1.1: Please provide a description of your project/event.* Response 1.2: Please provide us link to a brief video summary of you organization's event/project.* PUNCH Projects, a rural arts-collective since 2006, works to promote visual dialogue between urban and rural art communities and seeks to support the cultural vibrancy of rural art scenes by spurring creative awareness, cross-cultural engagement and economic vitality. In fall of 2021, we signed a lease on the old fire house in the small rural-community of Thorp and began what we call the “Fire House Project” – creating a space that now, after nearly 3 years, houses a gallery, outdoor stage/performance area, an indoor performance area and “snack bar” with packaged snacks and beer. Exhibitions in the gallery change monthly and we have musicians and other performers year-round on either the indoor or outdoor stages. We are currently open 12-4pm on Saturdays with volunteer staff, with extended hours on last Saturdays to 8pm. 2024 was a period of significant growth in our arts and culture programming, with visual art, interactive experiences, and performative events happening every Saturday. The Punch Firehouse Project is unique in that it is the only public venue in Thorp and is an important bridge between upper and lower counties providing cultural experiences to tourists and locals alike. The past year continues to show growth in attendance. In a town with a population of approximately 200, open one day per week, we had 2961 visitors Sept. 2023 – Aug. 2024. This is nearly twice as many visitors from same months the year before. We estimate 14.4% of those to be out-of-county – a slight dip from the previous year ’s 21.8%. And we estimate 1.6% of those visitors to be from out-of-state. Gross retail sales for 2024 have increased 36% comparing again Sept. 2023 – Aug. 2024 with the same months of the previous year. This is testament to the success of our efforts and the support of the LTAC. As we continue to work toward expanding our hours, programming and retail offerings in 2025, we are seeking ways to invest in programming, operations and marketing/promotion to reach a broader audience and a sustainable path forward. Many visitors are still discovering us for the first time and have been a mix of folks who have seen our out-of-county advertising, some who have discovered us as they pass our Thorp location enroute to raft or fly fish, others who have bicycled the scenic byway from Roslyn to Ellensburg, regulars from Ellensburg and upper county, and even some who simply see our sandwich board at the Thorp freeway exit while stopping for gas and snacks. 2500 character limit Note: You MUST be present at the Q&A meeting to qualify for funding. https://youtu.be/ygNfiF8S0ME Response 1.3: List of Intended Use of Funds * Note: This language will be related in the contract if awarded. The CLTAC cannot approve funds not listed under RCW 67.28.1816. However, the committee has the right to be more restrictive. Work with a professional agency to advise and support our marketing and promotion strategy Develop written content for online media, radio spots, & press releases for newspaper/magazines Create photography, video, graphics & visuals to be used in social media, digital & print ads Create content for website and improve SEO and search results Ongoing website design/maintenance and social media management Fees for boosted social media ads, online advertising, radio spots & print advertising beyond Kittco Fees for boosted social media ads, radio spots & print advertising within Kittco week of event Talent fees for artists, musicians, performers, guest speakers and/or workshop presenters Travel expenses for out-of-town artists, musicians, performers, presenters Shipping fees for artwork and event-related equipment Equipment rental as-needed for performances and workshops Licensing fees to present movies and films 2| Supporting Kittitas County as a tourism destination. 1.Away from their place of residence or business and staying overnight in paid accommodations; 2.To a place fifty miles or more away from their place of residence or business for the day or staying overnight; 3.Or from another country or state outside of their place of residence or business. You must provide the evidence utilized in determining your projections.